Job Posting Title:

Principal Ride Control Hardware Engineer

Req ID:

10082944

Job Description:

“We make the magic!”  That’s our motto at Walt Disney Imagineering, the arm of The Walt Disney Company that creates key content for Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products all around the world.

A Ride Control Hardware Engineer, Principal works within WDI’s Ride Studio in a highly collaborative environment on diverse teams.  Engineering activities cover all aspects of control system design and implementation, from concept to commissioning, for a wide variety of innovative ride platforms. 

Responsibilities:

Manage programmable, electrical, and electronic hardware scope to conceive, design, & deliver control systems for a wide variety of complex and innovative ride systems and related equipment ensuring operational performance, reliability, and safety.

Perform engineering design and analysis for ride systems, focusing on electrical control systems.

Develop control system and network architectures for ride attractions, ride vehicles, and motion systems.

Design, model, and analyze electrical supply systems, and data communication systems.

Develop and capture facility interface requirements in documents, drawings, and 3D models.

Research new products, technologies, and methodologies and conduct trade-off studies.

Perform “blue sky” brainstorming and new ride concept development.

Lead a team of ride control engineers and collaborate with other design and engineering professionals to develop and implement ride control systems.

Collaborate with attraction development teams to define and deliver creative intent.

Develop and capture electrical and control equipment requirements and specifications in documents, drawings, and models.

Design operator interfaces and electrical control panels.

Develop implementation plans and budgets for ride control systems.

Develop and implement mock-ups and prototypes for proof-of concept efforts.

Participate in hazard assessments and failure modes and effects analysis.

Develop test requirements and documents and lead ride installation/commissioning efforts.

Manage vendors, contractors, and consultants conducting control system design and implementation for ride systems.

Define and oversee supplier and consultant design and delivery efforts.

Ensure all delivery and performance requirements have been satisfied.

Oversee and lead factory test and ride system installation/commissioning efforts.

Basic Qualifications:

At least 10 years of experience with design, engineering, installation, and commissioning of control systems for electromechanical systems

Demonstrated leadership in fail-safe and safety-related controls design, including application of functional safety concepts

Extensive knowledge of control processors, components, and communication networks used in multi-processing real-time industrial applications

Highly proficient in industrial control system installation, integration and commissioning

Solid understanding of communication technologies/protocols: TCP/IP, CAN, serial, ProfiNET, Ethernet/IP, EtherCAT

Extensive knowledge with electrical design standards and codes, including UL508a and NEC

Knowledge and familiarity with amusement and automation industry standards, including ASTM F2291

Expertise in motor and motion control methods and components

Expertise in designing and implementing closed-loop motion control

Proficient in developing and reading electrical schematics and one-line diagrams

Solid skills in technical document/drawing preparation and presentation

Demonstrated experience in scheduling and estimating control systems development and implementation scope

Demonstrated experienced in contractor/vendor management and technical contract documents

Ability to travel and work both domestically and internationally, for varying durations that could be over 1 year

Ability to handle multiple complex efforts simultaneously, coordinate team efforts, and manage tasks and priorities

Proficient with engineering design tools, including AutoCAD, Matlab, Simulink, Solidworks

Preferred Qualifications :

Licensed professional engineer

Proficient in Rockwell and/or Siemens automation systems architecture and components

Demonstrated experience in wireless communications for control and monitoring electromechanical systems

Knowledge of pneumatic controls and devices

Electrical and troubleshooting skills (voltmeter, oscilloscope, etc.)

Demonstrated knowledge of international amusement industry standards applicable in France, Hong Kong, or China

Required Education:

As a minimum a Bachelor of Science Degree in an engineering field from an accredited university

Electrical engineering degree highly preferred

Some Physics Coursework (Motion Equations / Dynamics) highly preferred

Some Computer Science Coursework preferred

Some System Engineering coursework preferred

Control Systems Engineering and/or Control Theory a plus

The hiring range for this position in California is $154,500.00 to $200,200.00 per year based on a 40 hour work week. The amount of hours scheduled per week may vary based on business needs. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

Job Posting Segment:

DO NOT USE-WDI Delivery

Job Posting Primary Business:

DO NOT USE-Project Design & Delivery (WDI)

Primary Job Posting Category:

Systems Engineer

Employment Type:

Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Glendale, CA, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:

2024-03-14